YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Mill Creek MetroParks has announced that it will be opening Lakes Newport and Glacier to the public on Tuesday.

Park officials halted fishing and recreational use of the lakes last July when tests showed that E. coli levels in the lake had reached unacceptable levels.

The regular boating and fishing season for Mill Creek MetroParks runs March 1 to November 30.

Privately owned canoes, kayaks and boats are permitted on Lake Glacier and Lake Newport. Boat rentals will be available at both the Lake Glacier Boathouse and the Lake Newport Boathouse from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Fishing is permitted on Lake Glacier and Lake Newport, and in waters south of the Lake Newport and between Lake Glacier Dam and Lake Cohasset Dam.

The regular boating and fishing season for Mill Creek MetroParks runs March 1 to November 30.

The lakes were closed two weeks after 21 News first reported a large number of dead fish floating on the surface of Lake Newport.

In November, the Mahoning County District Board of Health presented an analysis of data collected during a twelve week water quality study conducted from July through October.

The weekly testing included not only Lake Newport, but the streams that flow into the lake in an attempt to pinpoint the source of the higher than acceptable bacteria.

According to the Mahoning County District Board of Health, data shows rain events greatly impacted bacteria levels. Between July and October, significant increases in E.coli were reported 24 to 48 hours after most rain events.   Those levels, typically, dipped back within a safe range within four days of a rain event.

The health department says several factors tcontribute to the rise in bacteria levels including Youngstown's combine sewer overflows, agricultural fertilizer, animal waste and failing septic systems.

To solve the problem, the health department says residents must be more mindful of their everyday habits.

The regular boating and fishing season for Mill Creek MetroParks runs March 1 to November 30.